Salvation Army to close store on Cornerswell Road Penarth

Salvation Army’s shop on Cornerswell Road, Penarth, will shut its doors for good on Thursday, October 12.

After 30 years on the site, it has been described as a “hub of the community” while other members of the public said they were sad to see it go.

Salvation Army is closing its store after 30 years (Image: Newsquest)

As we were interviewing volunteer of ten years Carol Dacey, one person interrupted us and said: “It is the only real charity shop in Penarth. It is vital and the heart of this community.”

That vitalness was instantly made clear as, while speaking to Ms Dacey, we stopped to help centre manager Pauline Byrne of Baby Basics, a crucial Vale charity based in Barry which supports young mothers, put a double chair pram into the back of her car which was going to a family in need that morning.

The store in Penarth is described as a hub of the community (Image: Newsquest)

When we finally got round to speaking to Ms Dacey she said the store still has a role to play.

“It is people struggling who are going to suffer,” said Ms Dacey.

“This used to be a hub of the community. We collect sleeping bags and warm clothing for the homeless. We help cat and dogs homes collecting towels and blankets people bring in. We even help Kenya out.

“A lady has been travelling back and forth to Kenya for 20 years taking underwear for women and toys for children over to Africa.

members of the public were interrupting us saying how sad they were to see it closing (Image: Newsquest)

“We’ve had people come here turned out from their homes and we have kitted them out with clothes.”

Volunteer Carol Dacey said people who struggle will be hit hardest (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Dacey also explained, not only does the shop provide vital resources for the destitute, being where it has been for so long, it also became a meeting place.

“People come to talk to us with their problems,” said Ms Dacey.

“One man who has been coming here for 10 years came to tell us his wife had died. We help people with their mental problems too.”

The shop closes for good on October 12 (Image: Newsquest)

The shop is no longer taking donations and, in the next few days, will be putting on a £1 sale to get rid of stock. Anything left over will go to the Salvation Army in Canton, Cardiff.

For Ms Dacey, she is at a loss at what is happening with the “world famous" Salvation Army.

“It’s no longer being recognised as it should," said Ms Dacey. "It is an amazing organisation known around the world. It is just a shame.”

What are memories of the Salvation Army on Cornerswell Road which is closing after 30 years! Did it help you? Do you have a message for staff? Let us know in comments, on our Facebook page, or by emailing harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.